Western Career College

The dental profession is an essential component of our overall system of health care and offers a number of exciting career fields. Two careers that exercise an important role within the profession of dentistry are that of Dental Assistant and Dental Hygienist. Patient care as well as office and laboratory duties are some of the functions that dental assistants provide. They also provide assistance to dentists in the examination and treatment of patients. Their duties include, putting the patient at ease, securing their dental records, patient preparation for treatment, and giving instructions on postoperative and general oral health care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for employment for dental assistants is excellent. Estimates are, in fact, that employment growth in the field will be much greater than average through the year 2012. Income potential, benefits, and promotional opportunities are very appealing because the need for trained dental assistants has continued to rise.

Dental assisting

Dental assistants will experience new tests every day and participate in the health care system in a crucial role. Our Dental Assisting Program will get you ready to be a successful and valuable dental assistant. The end result will be the ability to play an important role in assisting a dentist and abiding by the rules of the Dental Board of California. Students acquire skills in taking x-ray images, dental impressions, polishing crowns, and various restoration, mouth surgery and orthodontic processes. Law, ethics, computer skills, administrative duties, telephone techniques and patient preparation are also emphasized in the program. Dental Assisting students are provided with the training and knowledge necessary to receive a certificate in x-ray and coronal polish, which are to be approved by the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries of the Dental Board of California. Graduates, upon successful completion of the program, are eligible to apply for and take the State of California Dental Board examination to be licensed as Registered Dental Assistants. They will be qualified to hold jobs in dental offices, clinics and schools, and in hospitals both private and public, and public health departments at the state or local level.